We have discussed so many challenges India is facing today, one of which is "Educating Girl Child." In any society, if the education of women is ignored, it would be the ignorant of bright future of that country. According to famous American saying "If we educate a man, only a man can be educated, however, educating a woman, the whole country can be educated.
In Recent years women education has given a lot of priority in India both in rural and urban areas just like men. Nevertheless, in some rural areas, parents are not educating their girl child for so many reasons, few reasons that are interrupting the fundamental right of education amongst Indian girls, the distance of schools in villages, male child dominance, lack of female teachers and lack of sanitation facilities in schools.
Almost 80% of women said they had to seek permission from a family member to visit a health centre. Out of these women, 80% said they needed permission from their husband, 79.89% from a senior male family member, and 79.94% from a senior female family member. Further, 58% of women reported that they needed permission to visit the local kirana (grocery) store, compared to 44.8% in 2005. Source
There are some tasks to be done to enhance education in India; particular attention is needed to the access of women education in rural areas. An attempt has to be made to eliminate these psychological, social and structural barriers, for the involvement of the majority of women in education. Eventhough the government and various charity organizations are promoting women education, parents and other groups are still opposing the need for women education. If parents of the girl child see merit and value in sending her to school, they will not make her do household chores or agricultural activities.
Successful programs giving boost to girl education in India
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme:
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao program was started by the government of India in 2015 in efforts to empower the girl child. The mantra of this program is son and daughter both are equal. The scheme intends to improve the efficiency of services for the welfare of women and to raise awareness regarding women’s rights. When girls are educated and aware of socio-economic factors, it leads to empowerment of women.
Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya Yojna:
This program was started in July 2014 especially for promoting girls education. There is a total of 3500 Kasturba Balika Vidyalaya where more than 3.6 lac girls are educating. These schools are having hostel facility for girl students between 5th to 9th standard.
Kanya Saaksharta Protsahan Yojna :
This Objective of this scheme is to reduce the school dropout rate of girls and to improve the interest of Tribal Girl Students to continue their study. Under this scheme a stipend of Rs. 500-1000 is given to girls who get admission in IX & Rs.2000 to girls who get an entry in XI standard.